Limestone District School Board Trustee Laurie French has been acclaimed as President of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) for the 2017-2018 school year at its Annual General Meeting held on June 9, 2017. President French's depth of experience and invaluable knowledge of the province's school system will continue to contribute to the strength of public education in the province of Ontario.

"I remain committed to supporting public school board trustees across the province in the vital role they undertake on behalf of Ontario students, their families and their local communities," said President French. "Leadership in public education continues to be as critical as ever. We must continue to lead by example, demonstrating strength in public education governance, and inspiring our students as future leaders to get involved in their communities and make a difference."

President French will be supported in her position as President of OPSBA by Jerry Chadwick, trustee with the Toronto District School Board, who was acclaimed as First Vice-President, and Cathy Abraham, Chair of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, who was acclaimed as Second Vice-President. OPSBA's President and Vice-Presidents offer unique insights, school board expertise and commitment that will provide strong leadership for the Association in the year ahead.

OPSBA's Executive Council/leadership team for the 2017-2018 school year will also include: Donna Edwards, Vice-President, Central East Region (Durham District School Board); Robert Hunking, Vice-President, Western Region (Avon Maitland District School Board); Gerald Kleist, Vice-President, Northern Region (Keewatin-Patricia District School Board); Donna Danielli, Vice-President, Central West Region (Halton District School Board); David Shields, Vice-President, Eastern Region (Renfrew County District School Board); Parthi Kandavel, Vice-President (Toronto District School Board); and Rick Williams, Vice-President (Peel District School Board).

OPSBA is very pleased to announce that Elaine Johnston, trustee with the Algoma District School Board, was acclaimed as OPSBA's First Nations Director. Trustee Johnston's dedication and commitment to the role will continue to strengthen public education for Indigenous students and foster broader perspectives for all students.

The Ontario Public School Boards' Association represents public district school boards and public school authorities across Ontario, which together serve more than 1.2 million public elementary and secondary students. The Association advocates on behalf of the best interests and needs of the public school system in Ontario. OPSBA is seen as the credible voice of public education in Ontario and is routinely called on by the provincial government for input and advice on legislation and the impact of government policy directions.